Advice reviewed 13 October 2026. Manufacturer claims are identified; this is not an independent riding test.
Electricity and petrol costs are best compared with your own inputs. This replaces an old fuel-price news item; the historical pump price is not presented as today’s price. The figures below are illustrative assumptions, not current tariffs or measured performance of a particular motorcycle.
| Input | Petrol example | Electric example |
|---|---|---|
| Assumed consumption | 60 miles per imperial gallon | 0.10kWh per mile measured at the supply |
| Assumed energy price | £1.50 per litre | 25p per kWh |
| Energy for 100 miles | 7.58 litres | 10kWh |
| Energy cost | About £11.37 | £2.50 |
The petrol calculation uses 4.546 litres per imperial gallon: 100 ÷ 60 × 4.546 × £1.50. The electric calculation is 100 × 0.10 × £0.25. Under those assumptions, the difference is about £8.87 per 100 miles. Change either consumption or energy price and the result changes.
Use wall energy for charging costs
Energy bought from the supply includes charging losses. If you only use the motorcycle’s nominal battery capacity, you are not directly measuring the electricity bill. A suitable installed meter or charger record can provide the relevant kWh. Follow electrical compatibility requirements when measuring; do not improvise a metering connection.
What the example leaves out
- Purchase price and likely resale value.
- Insurance, tax and registration costs where applicable.
- Finance charges and any setup or installation cost.
- Tyres, brakes, drive components and servicing.
- Transport or venue charging fees for off-road use.
Will a change save you money?
Estimate the distance you will actually ride each year. Count only expenses the new bike will replace. Keeping a petrol bike or car may leave many fixed costs unchanged, even if some journeys become cheaper in energy terms.
Then check whether the electric bike can complete your route with reserve and practical charging access. A favourable cost-per-mile calculation cannot resolve a charging problem.
Next checks
Read the advantages and disadvantages guide and charging-time guidance. Stark buyers can use the model-specific charging guide for charger and supply questions.
Contact MotoEbikes in Guildford to discuss the exact motorcycle and your riding plans.
Discussion
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